The spider lesson had everyone excited, but not nervous. While I did not have a real spider for us to look at, we compared plastic 'bugs' to differentiate between spiders and insects: eight legs vs six legs.

We watched an animated video about the way that a spider uses its web to determine whether or not whatever lands onto its web is prey or a potential mate.

I told a Cherokee creation story about Grandmother Spider, who brought sun to the dark side of the Earth. The students were able to make pinch pots just as Grandmother Spider did in the story.

We made a giant spider web by rolling a ball of colorful yarn back and forth, to and fro, between each other. This provided a great sense of team and community and the students loved it.

We finished by making glow in the dark spider art and later the students were able to paint their very own spider bodies made of clay.

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My name is Abby Sweet. I grew up in Stockett, Montana and I have lived in Missoula, Montana for over 10 years.

As I approach the end of my 20's, the end of my first college degree, and several personal endings..I find myself at many new beginnings. I am optimistic about my future, if somewhat fearful. But I've learned that it hurts to grow. And change is not easy.

Teaching is a big part of my future and I'm excited. I'm excited to inspire and promote change in others, but most importantly, to encourage growth and and compassion through the arts and appreciation of our natural world.